Twice this month, ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr., in response to a brilliant question from a U-T writer, linked the Chargers to Kansas State linebacker Arthur Brown.

The Gel Man said he envisions the Chargers using the draft's 45th pick on the senior from Wichita.

As tandem inside 'backers in John Pagano's 3-4 defense, Donald Butler and Brown might give the Chargers a twin-turbo combination of speed and pop.

It's easy to imagine how a second fleet and fluid inside 'backer could help the Chargers counter two rivals in particular: Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning, who prefers to operate with three receivers; and Chiefs coach Andy Reid, who likes to spread opposing defenses and grab easy yards via quick passes.

Brown, working as Kansas State's middle 'backer in a 4-3 scheme, showed coverage skills much needed for the pass-mad NFL.

And like Butler, who was drafted in 2010, he packs a punch. Far more than a "space" player, Brown had at least 100 tackles each of the last two years, even if wearing No. 4 made him look smaller than he played.

However, as a 3-4 linebacker with the Chargers, Brown may be best suited to the very inside spot that belongs to Butler. He may lack the bulk to succeed Takeo Spikes as the unit's lead run-stuffer. Even as the NFL becomes more of a track meet, inside LBs need extra LBs. Pounds. Brown is 6' 1'' and played at 227 pounds. In a 3-4, he'd have one fewer lineman in front of him; result: more large blockers in his path.

At the NFL combine two months ago, Brown weighed 241 pounds but didn't run because of a reported shoulder injury. He showed good speed at his Pro Day, registering 4.58 to 4.62 in the 40-yard dash.

His game tape is even more flattering. Deft at deciphering, untainted by major character questions, Brown qualifies as one of the "surest" linebackers in this draft, whether viewed as a middle man in the 4-3 or the weak inside spot in a 3-4.

It doesn't hurt his profile that his brother, Bryce, a running back, played for the Eagles a rookie. At any rate, Brown said that the NFL "definitely will be an eye opener" for him.